24 Jun 2024 | 10:19 AM UTC
Russia: Police continue to investigate armed attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala, Dagestan Province, June 24 /update 6
Security operations ongoing after armed attacks in Derbent and Makhachkala, Russia, overnight June 23/24.
Local officials will implement heightened security measures across Dagestan Province, as of June 24, following attacks overnight. Attacks occurred in Derbent and Makhachkala on the evening of June 23. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee stated that the "active operation" in response to the violence has ended. However, investigations and the search to apprehend any remaining suspects are continuing. Authorities confirm that 15 police officers, four civilians, and six attackers died in a series of shooting incidents at churches, synagogues, and a police post in the two cities. Authorities believe that the attackers were "adherents to an international terrorist organization" and used foreign weapons; no group has yet claimed responsibility.
Officials will likely restrict entry to and exit from Derbent and Makhachkala and conduct extensive security checks to apprehend any remaining suspects. Tight security will likely continue in both cities over the coming days, potentially extending to surrounding areas of Dagestan, until officials complete their investigation and determine that no further attacks are imminent. Telecommunication interruptions are possible as part of official security measures.
If operating in Derbent, Makhachkala, or the surrounding areas, remain in a secure location until the security operation ends and authorities give the all-clear. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel. Avoid all areas where police appear to be deploying. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Reconfirm all business appointments and transport arrangements.
The attack in Derbent began at about 18:00 June 23 when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons on the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tserkov Pokrova Presvyatoy Bogoroditsy) on Lenin Street. A similar attack also targeted an unspecified synagogue in the city, resulting in the structure catching fire; responders later extinguished the blaze.
In Makhachkala, unidentified gunmen targeted a traffic police post located on Yermoshkin Street, as well as an unspecified church. At least 19 worshippers initially barricaded themselves inside the church but were later evacuated by law enforcement officers when the shooting in the area subsided. Suspects and police subsequently exchanged gunfire in the area near Magomed Gazhiev, Mirzabekov, and Ordzhonikidze streets. Local officials have instructed the public to avoid these three thoroughfares, as well as Buynaksk, Magomedtagirov, and Popovich streets, along with the area around the city's railway station, due to ongoing police operations.
At least two suspects have reportedly been arrested and four killed in Makhachkala, with two suspects having been killed in Derbent. Nevertheless, the total number of attackers remains unknown.
